Understanding Combined Nomenclature (CN) Codes for Alcoholic Beverages
The Combined Nomenclature (CN) Code is used to classify goods for customs purposes and ensure the correct duty rates are applied. In the EU, CN Codes expand upon the Harmonized System (HS) codes used globally.
Why are CN Codes important?
If you're a producer or distributor, you must assign a CN Code to each of your products. It’s essential for customs, excise duties, and ensuring compliance with EU trade regulations.
Example CN Codes for Beverages
Here are some examples to show how specific CN Codes can get:
CN Code | Product Description |
---|---|
22041098 | Sparkling wine of fresh grapes (excl. varietal wines) |
22060039 | Mead and other sparkling fermented beverages |
22083082 | Whiskey (non-Bourbon/Scotch, ≤2L containers) |
22085011 | Gin in containers ≤2L |
22089048 | Aquavit (distilled from fruit) |
22030010 | Beer |
Key Details to Know
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Alcoholic beverages: About 230 CN Codes apply. Here’s the breakdown:
- Still wine: 117 codes
- Spirits: 89 codes
- Sparkling wines: 13 codes
- Intermediate products: 8 codes
- Beer: 3 codes
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Regional specifications: Over 70 codes are specific to regions, such as "Wine from Sicily."
How to Find the Right CN Code for Your Product
Use the European Database to search for CN Codes:
- Visit the database and enter keywords describing your product.
- Check the results for the most accurate match.
- Ensure the code aligns with your product’s exact characteristics.
💡 Tip: CN Codes may also correlate with Excise Product Codes. Some CN Codes can be linked to multiple excise categories, so double-check for accuracy.